Event
The Dance Centre Open House
The 25th annual Open House offers a chance to experience a host of different dance styles, in a day of free classes, showings and events at our beautiful building. Participating companies and artists include Afrobeats, Chichak Performing Arts, André Bessette & Jammin’ Cameron and a special event with Ballet Vancouver and Heather Ogden!
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Photos: Asal Ahadi and Shalaleh Rismani/Carla Alcantara; Ballet Vancouver/Rachel Topham Photography; soma anima arts/Kirk Chantraine
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Events are drop-in, and suitable for all levels, including beginners.
Exhibit: č̓əl̕təl̕ístəχʷ tə x̌pey̓əɬp Honouring Cedar (Sept 12 – Oct 12)
Curated by Tasha Faye Evans
Main lobby – free
A poignant meditation on Cedars as our Tree of Life, this exhibit (as part of the premiere of Cedar Woman) features artists: Xwalacktun OBC, Angela Paul, Aaron “Splash” Moody, Ocean Hyland, Rebecca Baker-Grenier, Atheana Baker, K̓esugwilakw and Cease Wyss.
10:15-11:45am Step Inside the Ballet Vancouver Studio
Join Ballet Vancouver and The Dance Centre for a rare opportunity to watch Ballet Vancouver’s company class — an intimate window into the daily training that shapes world-class performance.
Taught by Patrick Howell, a former leading artist with Northern Ballet and Milwaukee Ballet, the viewing offers a glimpse into how the company prepares for their upcoming 2026/27 Season Opening performances (including guest Principal dancer, Heather Ogden of The National Ballet of Canada).
Latecomers will not be admitted. Pre-booking is mandatory — space is limited.
Class Viewing Tickets: $15
Later that day — don’t miss the performance.
Balanchine’s Apollo & Other Works | Vancouver Playhouse
Saturday, September 12 | 2:00pm & 7:30pm
Performance tickets & info: balletvancouver.com
12:30-1:30pm CLASS: Open Level Ballet Technique with SJ Dance Productions
An accessible ballet class for people of all ages, backgrounds, and experience. This inclusive class is focused on creating a positive space for learning technique and choreography. Perfect for anyone who loves to dance.
12-1:30pm WORKSHOP: Azerbaijani folk dances with Asal Ahadi, Chichak Performing Arts
An introduction to Azerbaijan’s rich culture through dance.
1-2pm CLASS: AfroBeats with Isaac Gasangwa, AfroBeats Van
A high-energy fusion of African and hip hop dance.
2-3pm WORKSHOP: Flowing Verse: Dance, Breath & Poetry with Rachel Helten, soma anima arts
An exploration of the wisdom of the body through breath, poetry, and guided movement. Drawing from poetry and imagery to ignite creative expression, participants will explore improvisational movement that reflects inner landscapes and present-moment truth. All welcome: bring a pen and paper/journal.
3:30-4:30pm CLASS: Jig/House with Jammin’ Cameron and André Bessette
André & Jammin’ Cameron lead you in Métis Jigging basics followed by an intro House lesson followed by applying House and Jigs Steps together.
André & Jammin’ Cameron reflect on the inherence of community and self-expression found in both House Dance and Métis Jigging. These dances originated in underground clubs, kitchen parties, and community gatherings where folks gathered to share joy, movement, and interconnectedness.
4-5:30pm Interactive Open Studio: Dive Beneath the Currents by Sarah U 余衍晴
An interactive movement-to-visual installation where visitors are welcome to enter at any time and stay as long as they wish, stepping into the guided projection space and see their movements transformed into responsive visuals inspired by ocean currents, coral formations, and underwater ecosystems; including a DJ set featuring the live music collection created and curated for the project.
And more Open House fan favourites!